How to Trim Chives

An herb related to onions (Allium cepa) and garlic (A. sativum), chives (A. schoenoprasum) produce tiny, underground bulbs and purple blossoms, but their thin leaves, known as scapes, are commonly used to impart a mild onion flavor in recipes. Chives grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 11 and as an annual in cooler zones. Plants grow to about 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide and should be trimmed regularly to encourage a new flush of growth. Fresh chives can be dried or frozen for later use.

1

Cut all the scapes in the chive plant down to 1 or 2 inches above ground level, using a pair of sharp scissors or a knife. Begin harvesting the chives at maturity, at least 60 days after sowing seeds or 30 days after transplanting young plants. Gather several or all scapes in one hand and cut with the other so you don't have to pick up individual leaves after cutting.

2

Harvest the chives another two or three times throughout the first year, waiting until the chives reach at least 4 inches tall before harvesting. Frequent harvesting ensures the plants keep producing new growth. Chives are evergreen plants that can grow year-round, but growth can slow or plants can go dormant during winter, especially in cooler zone 8. If you live in a cool-weather zone, trim the plants back in fall and they will return in spring.

3

Harvest the chives about once monthly in the second and subsequent years. If the plant goes to flower, harvest immediately when flowers expire to prevent the plant from going to seed; trim the flowers from the ends and discard.

Things You Will Need

Sharp scissors or knife

Tip

Chives tend to grow taller in the second year of growth, but you don't necessarily have to wait until the chives reach their full potential before harvesting. In fact, some prefer the taste of young, tender chives to full-grown chives.

Although you should trim the chives at the base of the plants to encourage regrowth, the best flavor is found at the tips.

Chives might be ready for first harvest as early as 60 days after sowing seed or 30 days after transplanting, but it can take up to 90 days after sowing seed and 60 days after transplanting. Harvest when the plants have grown to well-established clumps 8 to 12 inches tall.

About the Author

A former cake decorator and competitive horticulturist, Amelia Allonsy is most at home in the kitchen or with her hands in the dirt. She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and on other websites.